I'm working on building a 22-foot laminated replacement header for the front of my carport, which will be made of plywood sandwiched between 2x10s. I'm worried about keeping it straight while I glue and screw it together. Should I consider building a jig or is there a better technique to ensure it doesn't end up warped? Any tips would be appreciated!
1 Answer
Even if you manage to get your header squared away, remember that the rest of the structure might not be perfectly straight. It's common to have a quarter-inch tolerance with these kinds of projects. Just check if you're replacing any rotting wood, as that can throw things off, too.
I totally get where you're coming from. I once dealt with a really bowed header made of steel between 2x10s. It was impossible to straighten it out! Just be careful when gluing—if it doesn't set right, it can be set in stone (or wood) forever! Titebond 3 really has a strong grip!